BETHEL — “Practice Makes Perfect.” This is a common phrase used to encourage someone to continuously exercise a skill or activity they hope to be proficient in. But it’s become hard to practice in an environment where one isn’t expected to be perfect, or close to it. BAAM (Bethel Area Arts & Music) recognized this flaw and put an idea into motion. BAAM is a community organization that works to encourage and provide access to the arts in our small area.
Once the idea of Youth Open Stage first arose, the Davis Family Foundation put out a grant for $5,000 that BAAM then applied for and later received. “We applied for the grant, got the grant, and just went forward from there,” states Kate Webb, BAAM coordinator. From the planting of this idea, they knew The Gem would be the space used. The Gem Theater is the primary venue for BAAM’s live performances. “From the beginning, we wanted to use the space to do more than just movies,” explains Wade Kavanaugh, co-owner of The Gem and BAAM task force member.
Youth Open Stage was created to be a place where kids and young adults feel comfortable practicing and performing. Anybody between the ages of five and 30 is welcome to the stage to present their talents. Some talents that have been represented include singing, dancing, instrumentalists, a DJ, and even a voice impressionist. However, Webb notes, “We’re open to any talent that anyone wants to bring to the stage.” This judgment-free zone is a perfect place to experiment and practice or cheer on others from the community. “We just wanted this to be an open space for people to do anything. Whether they want to try something new or if they want to work on something they’ve been working on for a while,” Webb elaborates.
On the second Thursday of every month, Kate Webb, Wade Kavanaugh, Lindsy Stephenson (performer and host), and Chris Alberi (Telstar Middle School band/chorus instructor and mentor) await at The Gem to sign up performers. Sign-ups start at 5:30 and performances begin at 6 and end at around 7:30 p.m. During this time period, The Gem is closed and just focused on this one event.
The most important trait that is hoped for kids to further develop through this opportunity is confidence. Said Kavanaugh, “We just want more and more people to have that experience where they can grow the self-confidence to put themselves out there.” He then adds, “I like seeing someone like Sydney (performer) who starts off in the corner just clapping and then the next month she’s doing a backup track for someone and then the next month she’s got her own song and is encouraging her friends to come up on stage. I think that’s the whole thing for us.”
The comfort of a secure environment will quicken and motivate growth. As Youth Open Stage gains momentum, BAAM looks forward to welcoming a wider variety of talents that young adults are ready to bring to the stage. “I really hope that more and more kids start bringing instruments and really take risks like doing originals or sharing a poem,” shares Kavanaugh. Although perfect is impossible, practice is important, especially when left unjudged.
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